How Useful Is An ITIL Certification? Is It Worth Your Time?

Introduction

Many of you might have heard about the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification, and you might be wondering about its usefulness in obtaining itil certifications. Well, if that has been on your mind, you have definitely come to the right place! This article will equip you with all the information you will need about the ITIL Certification, so continue reading and then decide if you feel that the ITIL Certification will be useful for you. 

ITIL Certification: What Is It?

Creating during the late 80s, the ITIL certification was created by the UK Government’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) which would map out the protocols that the IT organizations should take in order to maximize the cost-effectiveness as well as efficiency of the IT management services in government organizations. There have been multiple changes made to this framework since it was first publicized, noticeably the ITIL V3 and ITIL 4 that were introduced in 2007 and early 2019 respectively. The ITIL framework is currently maintained by a company named AXELOS, and they manage every aspect of the ITIL framework. Hence, to be able to obtain your ITIL certification, you have to take the relevant courses and exams introduced by AXELOS.

In this article, we will be diving in deep to explain the way the ITIL certification works, the benefits of obtaining an ITIL certification, and if the ITIL certification can really advance your career progression.

How Does It Work?

There are a few things to keep in mind about the ITIL personnel certification program. In this article, we have compiled all the information out there and have narrowed down the three main facts about this program that you need to be aware of.

First and foremost, the ITIL certification is targeted to individuals, and not at corporates or other organizations. This is because the ITIL certification is meant to act as a guide to the operations in the IT space to help businesses grow. Hence, it targets the individual and helps them improve their competency in their specific career paths.

Next, the ITIL exams are delivered by accredited organizations (ATOs), and AXELOS has formulated a three-level system structure to ensure the standards of these examinations hold integrity and validity across the global sphere. This structure comprises AXELOS themselves who permit the examination institutes (EI) to give out the ITIL certifications. These EIs then act as the intermediary to the ATOs, who will be the ones to provide the ITIL examinations to the individuals. 

Lastly, you should know that the current ITIL framework is going through its transitional period. They currently are still providing examinations for their ITIL V3 certification, but with their recent release of the ITIL, some individuals who were in the process of completing their ITIL V3 certification did not know if they should continue, or to wait for the ITIL V4 courses.

What Are the Benefits of ITIL Certification? 

Ever since it was first published, ITIL has been popularised as the main framework for IT service management (ITSM). This has resulted in many IT professionals signing up for this program in the hopes of being able to advance their careers through the skill sets they hone through the program. Here are the top 3 benefits of obtaining your ITIL certification.

1. A Better Understanding of the ITIL Framework and Processes

This ITIL framework and its processes were created in such a way that placed emphasis on value creation within the individual themselves so that they would be able to gain both tangible and intangible skills and knowledge, which they can apply to every business setting.

2. Aligning with the Global ITSM Standards

The ITIL framework also aligns closely with international standards, which include the ISO/IEC 20000 global standard for ITSM systems. Being globally recognized would allow for the ITIL-certified professional to apply the skills and what they have learned to benefit businesses of all settings around the world.

3. Certified Professionals Make Desirable Employees 

In a survey conducted in 2015, over 90% of employers expressed difficulty when sourcing for appropriate IT professionals, due to the lack of candidates having the IT certifications, which was one of the job requirements.

It has also been shown that employees with these certifications are more experienced and competent at their jobs, which is why they are so highly desired by employers.

Will You Be Successful Of You Earn A ITIL Certification

Based on a 2019 IT skills and salary report, the ITIL certification has been ranked seventh place when it comes to the highest-paying IT certifications, with the average salary of these certified progressions earning just over $120,000. However, keep in mind that having a certification does not guarantee a salary increase. The intangible skills that you gain through the certification are crucial in determining your career progression.

Experience is still required if you’re an ITIL-Certified Professional

Without any form of experience, your ITIL certification might not be very useful in securing your desired career, and hence it is important that you go out into the working environment and gain this experience.

Transitioning from ITIL V3 to ITIL 4

If you are currently on track to obtaining your ITIL V3 certification and are worried if the ITIL 4 release would have any effect on the legitimacy of your v3 certification, then do not worry. There are transition plans in place for you to be able to keep up to date with the changes made to the framework.

So, Is ITIL Certification Really Worth It?

After all that has been gone through, it’s up to you now to decide if the ITIL certification is worth it. If you really want to level up your skills as an IT professional, then obtaining a certificate is definitely a good step forward.

Conclusion

We hope this article has guided you in your decision of choosing whether or not to obtain your ITIL certification. Remember, your decision should also be based on what you think is best for the progression of your career and not on what others say. The choice is yours and only you can decide whether the ITIL is beneficial. All the best for your future career!